When Setting Becomes Destiny
Transform your story's world from backdrop to battlefield
Welcome into Flight School:
What an incredible journey we've been on together through the first two classes of our mini-series.
In our first session, we uncovered "The Hidden Architecture of Story," exploring how structural foundations make or break even prize-winning novels. Using Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See as our guide, we learned how identifying the true hero and tracking their journey through key structural points reveals the invisible bones that support every great story.
This week, we delved into "The Secret Life of Unforgettable Characters," examining how characters move from surface-level descriptions to living, breathing beings on the page. Through Marie-Laure, Werner, Orual, and Jane, we explored the three dimensions of character development:
First Dimension: The observable aspects - appearance, behaviors, and preferences
Second Dimension: The backstory and motivation that explain first dimension choices
Third Dimension: The crucial choices characters make when truly tested, revealing their moral compass
Now, we're about to complete our exploration with our final class:
When Setting Becomes Destiny: Transform your story's world from backdrop to battlefield
Friday, February 28th at 2:30 p.m. PST
Just like the lightning struck tree that breaks Jane from Mr. Rochester matters to the story and the mood and the transformation, all of setting is far more than just backdrop. It's a living force that shapes your entire narrative.
In our final session, we'll discover:
How setting shapes conflict and reflects theme
The four dimensions of setting and why they matter
How masters like Doerr, Lewis, and Brontë transform time and place into active story elements
Practical techniques to make your story's world a powerful force in your narrative
From the war-torn streets of Saint-Malo to the mysterious halls of Thornfield Manor, we'll explore how setting becomes character, antagonist, and thematic resonance all at once.
Don't miss this final piece of the storytelling puzzle!
Remember, these fundamental elements are rarely taught in MFA programs but form the essential foundation that all great writers understand. Whether you're working on your first novel or your fifth, these concrete principles will transform your writing.
✍️ This series is perfect for:
A writer who is working on a novel or a memoir.
Storytellers who sense there's something deeper to learn all the story elements
Anyone who's ever felt that nagging sense that their story isn't quite working (but isn't sure why). It could be setting!
Space is limited to ensure meaningful interaction and discussion. Reserve your spot now for this free Flight School mini-series and I’ll see you in class.
Looking forward to concluding our journey together,
Jennifer, 🐦⬛
